Award in British Sign Language for Adults

You will need to hold a level 1 qualification in English (GCSE, Functional Skills or equivalent) or to successfully complete an English comprehension test at Level 1.

You will be assessed through a variety of methods within the classroom (activity, group work, photographic and video) and in conjunction with a final recorded practical examination in each unit.

Unit BSL101 is internally assessed by the teacher.

Units BSL102 and BSL103 are externally assessed by a Signature assessor.

As a student on the programme, you will have weekly tutorials and receive feedback to discuss your progress and to set achievement targets. All our programmes are planned around your individual learning needs, with every student having a timetable that clearly identifies the sessions that will be taught. You will be assigned a Programme Lead who will support you throughout your time in college.

The qualification is divided into three units:

1. Introduction to BSL
2. Conversational BSL
3. Communicate in BSL about Everyday Life.

At the end of the qualification, learners will be able to:

1. understand and use a limited range of simple words and sentences in BSL
2. take part in simple, everyday conversations in BSL
3. give and follow simple directions or instructions in BSL
4. give and follow simple familiar statements or descriptions in BSL

You could then go on to study a Level 2 Certificate in British Sig Language (Signature).

School Leavers under the age of 19 do not have to pay fees on any full time courses, though may have to pay for their second year if turning 19 during their studies. If you’re aged 19 or over you might qualify for an Advanced Learner Loan. It’s easy to apply for and you won’t have to pay anything back until you’re earning over £25,000. If you are studying a part-time course and you receive one of the following benefits, or you depend financially on someone who does, you may be entitled to have your tuition fees waived: Job Seekers Allowance, Income Support. You will, however, have to pay any awarding body/assessment fees (unless you are on a first full level 2 course). * If you are in receipt of Working Tax Credit or receive other allowances, you may be eligible to claim concessionary rates. If you are entitled to a fee concession you will be asked to provide proof of your entitlement. It is essential that you inform us if your entitlement changes at any time during your course.